Kids' Clubs generally stay in town, meeting, taking field trips or playing games locally. Some clubs, however, travel. I don't mean an occasional special trip with a Scout troop or group. I'm talking about regular out-of-town trips. If your child wants to participate in a club that travels like this, definitely think about it carefully.
Do you have the money to make the trips?
Finances are a big consideration when traveling out of town. First, there's gas -- not a small expense with prices rising. Then, food -- eating out adds up quickly and don't forget snacks in the car on long trips. Oh, and hotels -- this can run up a credit card quickly.
Other expenses can include game or meet fees, souvenirs, and toll roads.
Can your family budget handle this on a regular basis?
Can you take the time off of work to make the trips?
If the team makes trips together in a bus or van with a couple of parents as chaperones, consider yourself lucky. In many cases, each parent is responsible for transporting his/her own child to and from the event, and looking out for him while there. Will you be able to take the required time from your job to do this? Will it eat up your vacation or personal days? Or will you be taking time off without pay to make the trips?
What will your other children do during those trips?
Traveling can be difficult on siblings, especially for younger children who may be bored by the whole thing. Will you take them with you (and add to the expense of the trip) or can you leave them with a family or friend?
Older children might not be able to make the trip because they will have responsibilities of their own, such as jobs. Are you comfortable leaving them home unsupervised?
How does your spouse feel about this?
Traveling and watching the kids together can be a lot of fun. But maybe one of you will be doing most of the traveling alone, or taking turns with the trips. Is this going to be OK with him?
Travel teams and clubs offer great opportunities for kids to develop skills and grow with their chosen sport or activity. They can be a lot of fun, too. But they also take a serious toll on the parents and family. Before you sign your child up for a travel team or club, be sure you're ready for all that comes with it.